Player Eligibility
Acceptance of Team Selection (Including Form)
Teams Formed Based on Players' Grade in School
Age Maximum for Players in Each Grade
Player Eligibility Documentation
Zip Code Requirments (2 Zip Exceptions per Team)
Eligibility Verification and Penalties

These Fairfax County Youth Basketball League (FCYBL) Rules are written to insure a balanced blend of sportsmanship, recreation, skill development and competitive activity in keeping with the Fairfax County Youth Basketball Council (FCYBC or Council) Charter. Anyone attempting to negate the intent of these rules and/or policy of the FCYBC Charter shall be denied membership to the FCYBL and the right to participate in the Fairfax County Youth Basketball program.

2.1. PREVAILING RULES
Games shall be played in accordance with the current National Federation of High School Basketball League Rules and the Virginia High School League Handbook, except for any changes specifically stated in these FCYBL RULES.

2.2. GAME SCHEDULING
The number of games to be played by each league, base days (Saturdays or Sundays), starting dates, tournament schedule, etc. will be determined at the Organizational Meeting of the FCYBC prior to the start of the season. The Basketball Commissioner will supervise the scheduling of these games. Games will be played on Saturdays and Sundays; however, some games will be played on weeknights. Every effort will be made to schedule games so that the 5th and 6th Grade groups will not have to play weeknight games.

2.2.1. SCHEDULE CHANGES/CONFLICTS
Due to frequent facility availability changes, it is the responsibility of each team to monitor schedule changes and updates on the FCYBL website. In the event that teams for several games arrive to play at the same time at the same location, a coin toss must be performed to determine which game is to be played. Teams involved in the game losing the coin toss must notify the scheduler so that the game may be rescheduled as soon as possible.

2.3. SEASON COMMENCEMENT DATES
All Divisions will begin their seasons on or about the last weekend in November.

2.4. GAME CANCELLATION AND MAKEUPS
Games will not be played when Fairfax County Schools are closed/dismissed early because of inclement weather, or other emergencies, or when games interfere with school functions. Such games may, but will not necessarily be made up. If for any reason a game has not begun within one hour and fifteen (15) minutes after its scheduled time (by the start of the following game time) that game WILL NOT be played that day. A reasonable attempt will be made to make up all games. NOTE: Even if other gyms are open in non-Fairfax County locations, all games will be canceled when Fairfax County gyms are closed.

2.5. GAME RESCHEDULING
Games may be rescheduled by FCYBL due to facility cancellations, inclement weather, or game delay cancellations (as described in section 2.4). No games may be rescheduled by coaches or club reps. In the event a team cannot play a game, the team will forfeit. In the event a team cannot play a championship game, the playoff team that lost the most recent game to that team will play in the championship game.

NOTE: This rule eliminates all scheduling requests be they from HS coaches, coaches with multiple teams, and religious requests or other conflicts.

2.6. OFFICIATING
Two (2) officials contracted by the FCYBL will be assigned to officiate each game. A third official will be assigned to each Championship Game in the post-season tournament and will serve as a scorekeeper or clock operator, and backup official. In the event that no referee appears within FIFTEEN (15) minutes after the scheduled game time, or after termination of a preceding game, whichever is later, the game should begin as soon as possible with volunteer referee(s) agreed to by the opposing coaches. Coaches are encouraged to attempt to play the game in such instances. The results of the game will be official. Once an official referee does arrive, the game is to be turned over to him/her. The coach should immediately inform their Deputy Commissioner or Commissioner of any officials’ late arrival or failure to arrive at all for any game so that it can be reported to the official’s organization under contract with FCYBL.

2.7. SCHOOL FACILITY CONTROL
The Recreation Department Building Director is in charge of the school facilities. S/he will interpret all rules and regulations of the Recreation Department pertaining to the use of the facilities. If a game is scheduled in a facility owned, operated, or otherwise controlled by an individual FCYBC member club, no preference or "home-court" advantage shall be accorded to the host club team who may be scheduled for a game against another FCYBC club team at that facility. FCYBL rules and procedures shall govern all administrative and game decisions when such facilities are provided for FCYBL games.

2.8. GYM OPENING TIME
Gyms will be open FIFTEEN (15) minutes prior to the start of the first game. Therefore arrival time of the teams should not be before 5:45PM on weekdays, 8:45AM on Saturdays and 12:45PM on Sundays.

2.9. TEAM CONDUCT PRIOR TO SCHEDULED GAME
Teams waiting to play a second or third game should be seated in the stands until time for their game. No basketballs other than the team balls are allowed in the gym. No shooting at the baskets is permitted during time-outs or intermissions. Before each game only the teams warming up for that game should be shooting at the baskets.

2.10. TEAM SUPERVISION
Each team must be supervised by their coach or responsible adult while in the schools. This includes the actions of spectators (no balls, toys, running in hallways or in the gym).

2.11. HOME TEAM DESIGNATION
The home team will be the team designated by the (h) next to it on the team schedule page, or being the first team listed on the game schedule

2.12. SCORE TABLE ASSIGNMENTS
The home team will provide a scorer and the visiting team a timer. It shall be the responsibility of each coach to provide qualified individuals to perform these duties. No person under the age of EIGHTEEN (18) shall be allowed to serve as the official scorer or timer.

2.13. GAME TIME LIMITS (new in 2016)
Games will be played by quarters. The length of each quarter will be SEVEN (7) minutes for all 5th and 6th grade groups and EIGHT (8) minutes for all other groups (7th and 8th Grade). Overtime periods will be THREE (3) minutes for all age groups.

2.14. WARMUP TIMES; HALFTIME
A minimum of FIVE (5) minutes will be allowed for warm-up between games and only THREE (3) minutes between halves.

2.15. ALLOWABLE TIMEOUTS
A maximum of THREE (3) full time-outs and TWO (2) thirty second time-outs will be allowed per team per game, with ONE (1) additional full time-out per team per overtime period.

2.16. FORFEIT PROCEDURES
A game will be declared forfeit when: 1) A team is not ready to play within FIFTEEN (15) minutes after the scheduled game time or after termination of a preceding game, whichever is the latest. 2) A team plays an ineligible player.

2.17. LIMITS ON GAME FORFEITURES
Any team forfeiting THREE (3) games per Paragraph 2.16 (1) (above) may be dropped from the FCYBL and, if a team is dropped, all games played against this team will be deleted from the standings.

2.18. SCORE REPORTING PROCEDURES
The FCYBL requires each coach or designated Team Representative of both the winning and losing team to submit scores from their games within FORTY-EIGHT (48) hours of the game under procedures and format prescribed by the Basketball Commissioner. It is important that all results are submitted to the designated FCYBL score-reporting contractor as quickly as possible to help provide current and accurate league standings.

2.19. REFEREE REPORTING PROCEDURES
Within 48 hours of each game, each coach may submit a report on referee performance and conduct under procedures and format prescribed by the Basketball Commissioner. Such reports shall be used by the Commissioner to provide feedback on referee performance to the referee organization.

2.20. PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINATION OF LEAGUE STANDINGS
Criteria for the regular season champions and tournament seeding will be as follows:

1) Won-loss Record. If the full schedule is played and the number of games played for each team in the league is subject to the tie-breakers below. If less than a full schedule is played or an unequal number of games are scheduled, the highest winning percentage (wins divided by the total games played) determines ranking, subject to the tie-breakers below. If Division-I or II has been divided into sub-divisions and inter-sub-division play occurs (team from I-A plays team from I-B), ranking will be determined by overall schedule, not sub-division schedule.

2) Head-to-Head Record (point spread WILL NOT be used). If more than two teams have identical records, each of these teams will be placed in a pool of the teams with identical records and standing will be determined

(a) on the best win-loss record of games played between the teams in the pool;
(b) if a tie then exists between two or more pool teams for rankings, the head-to-head record between those teams will determine standings;
(c) if the teams in the pool of teams with identical records did not play each other, or if the head-to-head tie breaker cannot be applied to the teams remaining, the team with the highest percentage wins among games played between those teams remaining in this limited pool shall receive the higher seed;
(d) if a tie remains between two teams, the tie-breaker shall be head-to-head competition; and
(e) if a tie still remains between any or all of the pool teams, the team standings will be determined by the lottery draw.

3) Lottery Draw - Prior to the end of the regular season, a random drawing will be conducted by the FCYBC at a regularly scheduled FCYBC meeting to determine each member organization's lottery number in deciding final tie-breaking procedures.

Attendance by member organizations at the FCYBC regularly scheduled meetings will be used to determine lottery selection. The number of meetings attended by member organizations will be determined, and member organizations with the same number of meetings attended will be grouped together in their respective pools. All member organizations that attend six meetings during the year (September through February) will form the first pool along with lowest lottery numbers, and each member organization’s Representatives will select at random from those lottery numbers.

In descending order determined by the numbers of meetings attended along with the corresponding lottery numbers, Representatives in each pool will select at random until the process is completed. In the event that a member organization representative is not present to participate in the lottery draw, the Commissioner will make the selection on behalf of the club. All teams from each member organization will have the same lottery number and the team with the lowest number is assigned the highest seed available in their seeding bracket.

Example:

• Teams A, B, C, & D finished 6-8 (all tied for 7th place)
• Two teams eligible for playoffs
• Records of the tied teams versus each other
– Team A = 2-1
– Team B = 2-3
– Team C = 2-2
– Team D = 2-2
• Team A automatically is 7th place (best win-loss record)
• Team B automatically eliminated (worst win-loss record)
• Teams C & D split during the regular season (1-1 versus each other)
• Team C had the favorable lottery draw result
• Team C makes the playoffs as the 8th and final seed

2.21. TROPHIES
Trophies will be awarded to teams that finish in 1st and 2nd place in each division in the regular season and to teams that finish in 1st and 2nd place in the post-season tournament. If multiple teams finish tied for 1st place in the regular season, all teams tied will receive 1st place trophies, and no 2nd place trophies will be awarded. If only one team finishes in 1st place, and multiple teams finish tied for 2nd place, all teams tied for 2nd place will receive trophies.

2.22. AWARDS PRESENTATIONS

All clubs having team(s) in the championship games are required to assign a club representative/coach/parent to hand out the awards at the championship games. Scheduling will be done at the February meeting when trophies are distributed.

3.1.1. FCYBL PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS
The FCYBL is composed of those Fairfax County participating youth organizations on the books as of June 1 of the current year. All teams entered in the league must be sponsored by a participating member organization or recreation center (hereafter collectively referred to as "club"). Any club wishing to sponsor teams in the league must petition the FCYBC for acceptance into the league. See FCYBC By-Laws, Article I, Section 1. Membership, for rules governing existing participating clubs, as well as applications for new members from inside and outside Fairfax County.

3.1.2. CLUB REPRESENTATIVES
Each club shall provide in writing to the FCYBC Secretary the names of its representative and one (1) alternate representative by September 30 of each year. The club representative or the alternate in the club representative's absence or their designate shall be deemed to represent the club in all business brought before the FCYBC. In the event that neither the club representative or the alternate is able to attend a meeting, a temporary club representative may be appointed by the club representative to represent the club in all business brought before the FCYBC, provided that the individual presents a written authorization from the club representative, or the club representative sends an e-mail, to the FCYBC Secretary affirming such authorization prior to participating in any business of the Council.

3.2. TEAM COMMITMENTS

3.2.1. PROCEDURES FOR TEAM COMMITMENTS AND DIVISIONS
Participating clubs or sponsors shall provide a commitment to the FCYBC of the number of teams that will participate in the league no later than October 15th. Participating clubs or sponsors have until the November 1st to elect (when applicable) for Division-I or Division-II as described in Paragraph 7.2 - DIVISIONS of these rules. Team's sponsors will be notified within SEVEN (7) days after the commitment deadlines by the Boy's or Girl's Deputy Basketball Commissioner if the number of entries is sufficient to form a given league and use the Division-I, II format. Leagues are subject to be merged or restructured by the FCYBL and the Boy's or Girl's Deputy Basketball Commissioners to provide worthwhile participation for the maximum number of FCYBL applications. Once a club commits a team, they have committed to pay the entire fee for a team to enter the league.

3.3. FINANCIAL
The annual dues for each club are $350.00 and are due by the first Organizational Meeting on the second Monday in September.

3.3.1. FRANCHISE FEES PAYMENTS
A franchise fee must also be paid for each team entered in the league. This fee is to cover the costs of trophies and awards for the league and tournament play, and to official's fees. The franchise is divided into two parts: a non-refundable commitment fee of $100.00 per team that is due with each team's application on October 15th, and the final franchise fee that is due on November 1st. Clubs are responsible for all financial obligations of teams committed into the FCYBL.

3.3.2. FRANCHISE FEE ALLOCATION
Franchise fees will be established for each team based upon equal cost allocation to each team to cover the estimated operating costs for the season. The franchise fee will be determined by an allocated share of the annual budget presented by the FCYBC Treasurer, and approved by the FCYBC, at the Organizational Meeting in September.

3.3.3. OVERPAYMENT REFUNDS
Overpayments will be refunded in the fall following the conclusion of the season.

4.1. COACHES' QUALIFICATIONS
Each club is responsible for selecting coaches for its teams. Coaches must be at least TWENTY-ONE (21) years of age. The FCYBL may suspend or expel coaches from the league for violation of its rules and the Code of Conduct.

4.2. CONDUCT OF COACHES, PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS
These rules govern the conduct of coaches, players and spectators while they are in the gym. Each club is responsible for the actions of coaches, players and spectators outside the confines of the gym and should administer all complaints concerning improper conduct outside the gyms.

4.3. COACHES/TEAM REPRESENTATIVE
Each team is responsible for submitting the name of one individual to serve as a Coach/Team Representative. This individual must have daily access to a working e-mail account throughout the season, and accepts the responsibility to receive any updates from the Basketball Commissioner on schedule changes and other league administrative matters. This individual also accepts the responsibility to update the internet site as required under Rule 2.18 with the team’s information for its FCYBL games (both wins and losses).

All participants in the FCYBL must be residents of Fairfax County, Falls Church, and Fairfax City, except for:
1) Players on teams sponsored by organizations located in counties outside of Fairfax County that have been approved for play in the FCYBL by the FCYBC. These players must reside in the same county as the member club county, e.g. Prince William residents may play for Prince William County member clubs.
2) A player residing under shared custody is eligible to play for the member club when one parent resides in the same county or city as the member club.
3) A player who resides in the city of Alexandria may petition the FCYBC to play for any club, provided there is no team entered by Alexandria in that player's age/gender. Approval of a request would require a simple majority of the FCYBC, and Rule 5.3.3 applies concerning the limitation of two out-of-zip players on a team's roster.

5.1.1.1. MILITARY PERSONNEL PROVISION.
Member clubs who represent Department of Defense military installations, and who are subject to specific Department of Defense regulations governing recreation services requiring that military dependents of personnel officially assigned to that duty station be permitted to participate in all activities, may roster players even though they do not actually reside in Fairfax County. This exception applies only to players whose (1) parent(s) are officially assigned to that member club’s military facility, or (2) whose parent(s) are living in base housing, and (3) whose parents are living in Fairfax County but who are assigned to another military installation in the area. This exception does not apply to any “non-military” players even though those players may participate in other recreation activities at that military installation.

5.1.1.2. HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS INELIGIBLE FOR FCYBL
Any high school student or player that participates on a HS team at any level; e.g. Freshmen, Sophomore, JV, or Varsity team, is ineligible for FCYBL.

5.1.1.3 A player who resides in the city of Alexandria may petition the FCYBC to play for any club, provided there is no team entered by Alexandria in that player's age/gender. Approval of a request would require a simple majority of the FCYBC, and Rule 5.3.3 applies concerning the limitation of two out-of-zip players on a team's roster.

5.1.2. PLAYER LIMITS ON PARTICIPATIONA player may participate on only ONE (1) FCYBL team during the season. Each player, upon notification by a team that he or she has been selected for a team, may – if required by their respective member club -- be required to sign an Acceptance of Team Selection form to be developed by the Commissioner and approved by the Council. The form shall include at a minimum a notice that by accepting a position with the team the player is prohibited from playing for any other FCYBL team during that season.

The undersigned hereby accepts a position on the (insert e.g. Girls/Boys 5th Grade Division 1) team coached by (insert e.g. Charles Coach), with the (insert the name of the FCYBL club e.g. ABC Youth Club).

I understand that by signing this form and accepting this position I will not be able to tryout nor play for any other FCYBL team this season. All parties who have signed this form are acknowledging that they have read and understand the FCYBL Code of Conduct and the rules pertaining to the League and agree to uphold them accordingly. All who have signed this form have read and agree to adhere to the Charter of the Fairfax County Youth Basketball Council and the FCYBL rules currently in effect.

_____________________________
(Print Name)

_____________________________
(Signature of Player)

_____________________________
(Signature of Parent)

_____________________________
(Date)

5.1.3.1 THE FCYBL TEAMS SHALL BE BASED ON GRADE IN SCHOOL

1) Boys and Girls 5th grade teams will be made up of players in the 5th grade or lower (i.e. 4th grade) in school as of September 1st of that year.

2) Boys and Girls 6th grade teams will be made up of players in the 6th grade or lower (i.e. 5th or 4th grade) in school as of September 1st of that year.

3) Boys and Girls 7th grade teams will be made up of players in the 7th grade or lower (i.e. 6th, 5th or 4th grade) in school as of September 1st of that year.

4) Boys and Girls 8th grade teams will be made up of players in the 8th grade or lower (i.e. 7th, 6th, 5th or 4th grade) in school as of September 1st of that year.

5.1.4 AGE RESTRICTIONS TO 5.1.3.1
For each of the teams above, the following age restrictions will occur.

1) No player on any 5th grade team can be 12 years old on September 1st of that year.

2) No player on any 6th grade team can be 13 years old on September 1st of that year.

3) No player on any 7th grade team can be 14 years old on September 1st of that year.

4) No player on any 8th grade team can be 15 years old on September 1st of that year.

5.1.5 VERIFICATION OF GRADE IN SCHOOL
Each player must provide verification of grade in school. Home school players must provide appropriate grade in school information based on state reporting requirements.

5.1.6. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY DOCUMENTATION
Each club or team sponsor MUST institute internal procedures to guarantee that all players are eligible to participate.

The only acceptable proof of county residency will be a copy of the child’s report card from the applicable school system or alternate form approved by the Commissioner such as a copy of the FCPS SIS ParentVue page. If the SIS page is used, the only information required to be shown is the name, grade and zip code of the player; all other personal information may be blacked out. Copies of documents are required to be submitted for each year for a player who desires to participate in FCYBL. These documents will conclusively establish grade and residency under the eligibility requirements of these rules. Copies of residency and grade documents must be submitted along with the rosters to the appropriate Deputy Basketball Commissioner at a roster deadline date established by the Commissioner.

In addition to birth date documentation, each player must submit a clearly legible player eligibility statement, which documents the players place of residence; school the player attends; telephone contact information; parents names; affirmation of player and parents to abide by the FCYBL Code of Conduct; and any other information requested, on a form approved by the Basketball Commissioner. These documents must be submitted along with the rosters to the appropriate Deputy Basketball Commissioner no later than roster submission date set for each age group and/or league.

Each Club shall submit all team rosters in the form approved by the Basketball Commissioner and in electronic form using a database format prescribed by the Basketball Commissioner. If a Club is unable to provide this information for any of its teams in the prescribed electronic database format, or if it fails to do so for any reason, an administrative assessment shall be made against the sponsoring club for each team in an amount not less than $25.00 or, if greater, the actual costs for such data entry by a third party.

Any team not submitting proper paperwork by the roster deadline date for their league will be denied participation in the FCYBL.

5.1.7. PLAYER EDUCATIONAL ELIGIBILITY
Players must attend an accredited public or private school.
Any player home schooled must submit a bona fide certificate to the appropriate FCYBL Deputy Basketball Commissioner and be approved for FCYBL participation by the Basketball Commissioner prior to their participation.

5.1.8. ROSTER SUBMISSION DEADLINES
A team electronic roster of coaches and players shall be due no later than November 15, with written/signed rosters due prior to the commencement of the season..

No player transfers or roster additions are permitted for any reason following the roster deadline; except that Ft. Belvoir may add new players to any of its rosters up to November 30th the extent that a player’s parent(s) were transferred to Ft. Belvoir after October 1.

An ELIGIBILITY COMMITTEE, comprised of the Basketball Commissioner, the Deputy Boys Commissioner, Deputy Girls Commissioner (or their designees) and two or more appointees of the Chairman, will review all rosters to determine eligibility of players. Any eligibility issues for players will be addressed by the Eligibility Committee during the two weeks immediately following roster deadline. At the conclusion of the review period, the Eligibility Committee shall certify the eligibility of each team for the season.

5.1.9. UNDER AGE EXCEPTIONS
For a club entering a team in the 5th Grade group, the team shall not be allowed to roster more than 50% of its players who are in 4th grade, on any one team. However, this restriction to limit the number of 4th grade players does not apply if a club is entering only one team in the 5th Grade group.

5.2. PARTICIPATION

5.2.1. GAME PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
There is no required player participation in FCYBL games.

5.3. ZIP CODE REQUIREMENTS
Each year, each participating FCYBL club must submit a list of zip codes their organization serves, as defined by the population of the club’s previous Winter House players (excludes county travel players). Clubs will be assigned zip codes that represent the first 93% of its House League population AND totals at least 20 players. Population data must be submitted to the FCYBL Commissioner at the first FCYBL board meeting in September. Assigned zip codes will be published expeditiously to support club tryout decisions.

Zip-Code Grandfather Clauses: In addition to the zip codes assigned above, Zip codes assigned to clubs in the 2014-2015 season will remain in effect for existing grades per the list below:

2015-2016 Season – 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade teams

2016-2017 Season – 7th and 8th Grade teams

2017-2018 Season – 8th Grade teams

5.3.1. TRYOUT LIMITATIONS
No club entering teams in the FCYBL may begin tryouts prior to the Monday of the first week of October.

5.3.2. PLAYER LIMITATIONS
No player is permitted to play on more than one FCYBL team. Coaches are permitted to document commitments made by players when an offer to a player is made to include that player on the team roster. Parents and players are advised that acceptance of multiple roster spots is not permitted and may result in the player being declared ineligible for any FCYBL team.

5.3.3. PLAYER MOVEMENT BETWEEN CLUBS
A player who plays with one club program one season may play for another club under the following circumstances:

1) The team does not roster more than TWO (2) players whose residence zip code is not served by the team's club. Each team is allowed TWO (2) out-of-zip exceptions.

2) Fairfax County Community Recreation Centers who are members of FCYBC may roster any player on its 5th Grade teams from any qualified zip code in Fairfax County. If a Community Center team roster has two or more players from zip codes outside of those assigned to those Community Centers in their 5th Grade teams, no additional out-of-zip players may be added to these rosters in subsequent years unless one or more of the originally rostered out-of-zip players leaves the program.

5.3.4. ZIP CODE CHALLENGE PROCEDURE
If a FCYBC member club seeks to modify its assigned zip codes, they may submit a written proposal to the FCYBC Executive Committee no later than September 15 with appropriate documentation supporting the proposed zip code allocation for their club. The Executive Committee shall render a written decision on all such zip code challenges no later than October 1st.

5.3.5. APPEAL PROCEDURE TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DECISIONS ON ZIP CODE CHALLENGES
If a member club seeks to appeal any decision rendered by the FCYBC Executive Committee as provided in section 5.3.4, that club may submit a written appeal with appropriate documentation prior to the scheduled October Council Meeting. This appeal will be voted upon at that meeting by the Council.

5.3.6. PENALTIES
Any FCYBL team that violates any part of Rule 5.3 shall be subject to any penalty deemed appropriate by the CODE of CONDUCT COMMITTEE.

5.4. VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

5.4.1. ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION AND PENALTIES
It is the responsibility of each club to verify the eligibility of each of its players.

If at any time during the regular season or post season a team is found to be in violation of the eligibility requirements, that team shall forfeit all games played to that point in the season. It shall be presumed that any game on the schedule of the team prior to the discovery of the ineligible player is forfeited without regard to whether that player actually played in any or all of those games. If a team continues to play the ineligible player, the team will be dropped from the league.

If a club has any question about the eligibility of any player(s) the club may seek a written advisory opinion from the Commissioner requesting a ruling on a specific circumstance. All requests for an advisory opinion must be submitted in writing, either by mail or e-mail, to the Commissioner. The Commissioner, in consultation with the Eligibility Committee, shall prepare a recommendation on the request for an Advisory Opinion for review and approval of the FCYBC Executive Committee. This Advisory Opinion, when approved by the Executive Committee, constitutes the only procedure for a club to rely upon when questions of eligibility arise. These Advisory Opinions apply only to the specific circumstances of the player(s) in question, and cannot be used as a basis for rostering any other player where eligibility question exists. No verbal opinion expressed by any FCYBC member on any eligibility question can be used by a club to determine eligibility when a question arises on any specific player(s).

6.1. ROSTER LIMITATIONS
Each team is allowed a maximum of FIFTEEN (15) and a minimum of EIGHT (8) rostered players.

6.2. ROSTER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
A copy of each team's roster must be provided with the Proof of Grade (POG) and Proof of Zip (POZ) information when submitted for pre-season verification at the November meeting. EACHTEAM SHALL HAVE A COPY OF THEIR FCYBL ROSTER AVAILABLE AT ALL GAMES. The rosters will be used to populate the scorebook and for verification of players by coaches and officials. Players not shown on roster are ineligible for play.

7.2.1. LEAGUE DIVISIONS; SKILL LEVEL GUIDANCE
Each Boy's or Girl's league will be divided into Division-I, and III, and if necessary, multiple conferences. Division-I teams are expected to be relatively stronger teams, while Division-II teams are expected to be relatively weaker teams. In general, participating clubs may elect, on a team by team basis, to place its teams in either division; however, certain restrictions apply.

Due to the limited amount of available gym space and the ability of our referee organizations to provide adequate TWO (2) per game coverage, a player count must be required of all clubs in order to determine their eligibility to field multiple teams within an age/gender bracket.

The player count must be submitted as per Paragraph 3.2.1 of these rules. Clubs may not enter more than three (3) teams in any age/gender group. This three team limit is the TOTAL number of teams for that age/gender regardless of Division placement. (An organization could not have 2 teams in Division-I and 2 in Division-II for a total of 4 teams)

7.2.1.1. NUMBER OF DIVISIONS
Notwithstanding any other rule herein referenced, the Basketball Commissioner may create additional divisions as necessary. The Commissioner shall present the proposed age group and division structure to the Council for approval prior to the beginning of the season. Unless 15 teams or less exist in an age group, no Division will exist with less than eight (8) teams. The Commissioner may move teams to satisfy this requirement and to balance the divisions even if it means overriding team placement based on any other rules.

7.2.2. CLUB SUBMITTAL OF PLAYER COUNT REQUIREMENT
Each club must provide the total number of players who participated in their program by age and gender during the previous season (include "house" players). These numbers will determine the size of the next highest age group for each following season (for example: Club A had 63 eleven years old boys in their program last year. This year they will report 63 twelve years old boys in the player count report). The matrix below will be used to determine if a club is ELIGIBLE to field more than one team within an age/gender group. Note that there is NO requirement to field more than one team.

7.2.3. CLUB PLACEMENT/MULTIPLE TEAM REQUIREMENTS:
1) LESS THAN 80 PLAYERS IN AN AGE/GENDER GROUP: Club is allowed to field ONE (1) team.
2) 80-120 PLAYERS IN AN AGE/GENDER GROUP: Club MAY field up to TWO (2) teams.
3) MORE THAN 120 PLAYERS IN AN AGE/GENDER GROUP: Club may field up to THREE (3) teams.

4) COUNTY SUBSIDIZED RECREATION CENTERS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER ONE (1) TEAM IN EITHER DIVISION I OR DIVISION II. A Fairfax County subsidized recreation center can enter a second (2nd) team, subject to the approval of the Basketball Commissioner, providing that entering a second (2nd) team does not adversely affect the structure of the league.

5) SEEDING FOR 5th Grade DIVISION. The Commissioner shall develop a procedure whereby all 5th Grade teams will participate in a pool of games in order to establish the appropriate division assignment for these teams for the remainder of the season. This procedure shall be submitted for approval of the Council no later than the October Council meeting immediately preceding the season.

6) WAIVER FOR ADDITIONAL TEAMS: If a club seeks to enter an additional team, but has not met the player qualifications set forth in 7.2.3 (1) (2), they must submit a waiver request to the Commissioner. The Commissioner may, based upon league scheduling and gym space allocation alignments, grant a waiver for an additional team from that club to be entered.

7.2.4. SKILL DISTRIBUTION FOR MULTIPLE TEAMS IN SAME DIVISION
If a club chooses to place MORE THAN ONE (1) team in a given age/gender group, it is free to allocate player talent as it so chooses.

7.2.5. TEAM REQUIREMENTS FOR LEAGUE FORMATION
At least SIX (6) teams are needed to form a league. Consideration will be given for that league to allow play with fewer than six (6) teams to form a league. At least SIX (6) Division I and SIX (6) Division II teams are needed to structure a league in a I/II format. If there are SIXTEEN (16) or more teams registered for an age group, every effort will be made to ensure both Division I and Division II have at least EIGHT (8) teams each.

7.2.6. TEAM ASSIGNMENT PROCEDURES
Teams winning at least EIGHTY PERCENT (80%) of their games (12+ in a 14 game season) from the previous year in Division II or who finished first or second during the regular season or who won their post-season tournament will automatically be placed in Division I the following year. Teams winning at least SEVENTY PERCENT (70%) of their games will have the option of moving to Division I. Likewise, teams in Division I that fail to win TWENTY PERCENT (20%) of their games (2 wins or less) or who finished last or next to last during the regular season will be placed in Division II the following year. Teams winning between TWENTY and THIRTY PERCENT (20% - 30%) of their games have the option of being placed in Division II. The Commissioner may override these assignments per Rule 7.2.1.1 or at the request of the member club based upon the following:

1) Continuity or lack thereof from one season to the next.
2) Size of the organization.
3) Discussion with the coach or club representative.

Organizations fielding teams for the first time in a particular age group will be assigned to Division II, but may appeal based upon the above criteria.

7.2.7. TOURNAMENT QUALIFICATION LIMITS
Only the top 75% or TWELVE (12), whichever is less, of the regular season teams eligible for tournament play will participate in the post season FCYBL Tournament for each age/gender group. There will be a minimum of EIGHT (8) teams eligible; however, all teams will participate when there are fewer than EIGHT (8) teams in the Division.

7.2.8. ALL-LEAGUE TEAMS
The Basketball Commissioner shall, no later than the January Council Meeting, submit a report outlining procedures to select and recognize an All-League team in each division. The Council must, by a majority vote, formally accept the Basketball Commissioner's report prior to any consideration of the recommendations themselves.

8.1. UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
Each team MUST have matching jerseys with numbers. Jerseys should be either reversible with a dark or light side, or separate dark and light jerseys for each player. The light color will be used by the home team. Regulation size numbers MUST be on the front as well as the back of the jerseys. Matching shorts are also mandatory. Teams not having matching jerseys and shorts will not be allowed to play. Jerseys must be tucked into the shorts at all times.

8.1.1 UNIFORM ACCESSORIES

Long and short sleeved t-shirts must be the same color as the predominant color of the jersey. Sports bras or undergarments that do not show are exempt. Accessories such as knee and elbow pads, head bands, shooting sleeves, must be black, white or beige.

8.2. GYM SHOE REQUIREMENTS
Players cannot wear shoes that will leave marks on the gym floor. Players' shoes should be carried into the gym and not be worn from out doors into the gymnasium.

8.3. JEWELRY LIMITATIONS.
Players cannot wear jewelry on the gym floor. This includes, but is not limited to, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and hair ties with metal or hard plastic clasps or clips.

8.4. LIMITATION ON USE OF SCHOOL EQUIPMENT.
School Equipment found in school lockers shall not be used.

8.5. EYEGLASS LIMITATIONS
A player wearing glasses must have shatterproof lenses or an eyeglass protector (e.g., goggles).

8.6. SCOREBOARDS AND SCOREBOOKS
The FCYBL will furnish scoreboards/ score clocks and an official scorebook at all game locations.

8.7. TEAM REQUIREMENTS FOR PROVISION OF GAME BALL
The Home Team will provide a leather/composite or substitute ball that is acceptable to the referee. All Girls’ leagues will use a 28.5" ball. All boys' leagues will use a regulation size (29.5") basketball, except for 5th grade and 6th grade boys’ leagues which will use the intermediate size (28.5") basketball.

9.1. RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONDUCT
Each club is responsible to see that their coaches, players and spectators abide by the respective CODE of CONDUCT. All coaches, players and parents or guardians of players will be provided copies of the appropriate CODE of CONDUCT Acknowledgment forms prior to the start of the season.

9.1.1. CODE OF CONDUCT REQUIREMENTS
CODE of CONDUCT for spectators and players should be thoroughly discussed by the club coaches at a pre-season joint meeting between coaches, players and parent/guardians of players. All coaches, parents/guardians and players are required to sign the CODE of CONDUCT acknowledgment form indicating they understand and accept their responsibilities as stated in the code

9.1.2. IMPROPER CONDUCT ADJUDICATED BY FCYBL CODE OF CONDUCT COMMITTEE
Conduct of sponsors, coaches, players or spectators detrimental and contrary to the FCYBL CODE of CONDUCT can result in suspension from further participation for whatever period of time deemed reasonable and appropriate by the FCYBL CODE of CONDUCT COMMITTEE.

9.1.3. IMPROPER CONDUCT PENALTIES
Improper conduct on the part of coaches, players or spectators may result in expulsion from the gym, or in extreme cases, forfeiture of the game.

9.2. OFFENSIVE ACTIONS

9.2.1. DEFINITIONS OF OFFENSIVE ACTIONS
No coach, player, parent/guardian or spectator is to:

1) refuse to abide by an official's decision; or
2) be guilty of objectionable demonstration by throwing equipment or any other forceful action: or
3) be guilty of heaping verbal abuse upon an official for any real or imaginary wrong decision or judgment; or
4) be guilty of an abusive verbal attack upon a player, an opposing coach, official or spectator; or
5) at any time, lay hands upon, push, shove or strike an official; or
6) be guilty of physical attack as an aggressor upon any player, opposing coach, official, spectator, Recreation Building Director or school staff.

9.2.2 BLOWOUT RULES

For POOL GAMES, when a team reaches a 25 point lead, no more points will be added to that team's score on the scoreboard unless the lead is reduced to less than 25 points. The full score will be kept in the scorebook.

For SEASON AND POST-SEASON GAMES, if a team wins by MORE THAN 40 POINTS they will be on a probationary status after the first offense; a second offense will result in a 1-game suspension of the head coach. Coaches may be notified of their probationary status by the Sportsmanship Committee if time allows but absence of this notification does not prevent suspension for the second offense.

9.3. COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES ON ALL EJECTIONS; PROCEDURES FOR REFERRAL TO CODE OF CONDUCT COMMITTEE
If a coach or player is ejected from a game by an official, BOTH team coaches are responsible for filing a WRITTEN report to the appropriate Deputy Basketball Commissioner within SEVENTY-TWO (72) hours of the incident. Any coach who fails to abide by this rule is subject to suspension. If the appropriate Deputy Basketball Commissioner and the Basketball Commissioner deem it necessary, the report will be forwarded to the CODE of CONDUCT COMMITTEE for further action.

9.3.1. COMPOSITION OF CODE OF CONDUCT COMMITTEE
The CODE of CONDUCT COMMITTEE is comprised of the FCYBC Member At Large, and two members of the Council appointed by the Chairman. In the event a complaint involves a participant from the home club of a Code of Conduct Committee member, or in the event a Committee Member is unable to attend a scheduled meeting, that member shall be recused from that specific proceeding and a temporary replacement shall be appointed by the FCYBC Chairman from Members of the Council. The Code of Conduct Committee shall meet regularly at two week intervals, as needed, during the period following the commencement of the season and the final tournament game. The schedule for these meetings shall be posted on the FCYBL website. The Code of Conduct Committee shall provide adequate notice to any accused party prior to a hearing and shall assist with reasonable procedures to facilitate any accused party to provide available defenses to the allegations.

9.3.2. PENALTIES FOR EJECTION FROM GAMES
All ejections will be considered CODE of CONDUCT violations, and the player or coach is automatically suspended for at least ONE (1) game. The CODE of CONDUCT COMMITTEE will define any appropriate penalties and must approve permission for any suspended player or coach to participate in games subsequent to the incident for which they were ejected. All rulings of the CODE of CONDUCT COMMITTEE will be expedient provided that both coaches report the facts relative to the ejection promptly. A player or coach ejected from a game should be notified at the time as to the cause of the ejection; both coaches are still required to notify the appropriate Deputy Basketball Commissioner when an ejection occurs. A written report by the ejecting official explaining the reason(s) for the ejection should be made in all situations involving ejection. Any player, coach or team representative striking or shoving an official will be suspended for the remainder of the season.

9.3.3. PENALTIES FOR SPECTATOR OFFENSIVE ACTIONS DURING A GAME
At any time the officials experience offensive actions from spectators during a game, the officials can request the spectator to leave the gym. In the event the spectator refuses to leave the gym, the official will record the time and score and put 60 seconds on the clock. If the spectator continues to refuse to leave the gym, the official will call the game a forfeit. The coaches will submit a report to the Commissioner for review. The Commissioner will determine which team will be awarded the win.

9.4.2. Violation of Rules 9.2.1, 5-6
Permanent suspension of offending player and/or coach for the remainder of the season.

9.4.3. SUSPENSION FOR DISREGARDING PENALTIES
If the suspended coach(es) or player(s) disregard stated penalties when properly notified by the appropriate Deputy Basketball Commissioner, the team is to be permanently suspended from league competition for the remainder of the regular and post season.

9.4.4. SUBMISSION OF APPEALS
A written appeal may be made to the FCYBL Basketball Commissioner within TWENTY-FOUR (24) hours of the penalty decision. The decision of the Basketball Commissioner will be final.

1) E-mail is an acceptable means for submitting a written appeal.
2) In the event that the Basketball Commissioner is not available to address an appeal, the appropriate Deputy Commissioner may make a final decision.

9.4.5. CODE OF CONDUCT COMMITTEE JURISDICTION
When penalties for rule violations are not specified, they will be decided by the CODE of CONDUCT COMMITTEE.

10.1. PROTEST LIMITATIONS
No protests on game situations (official judgment) are allowed. If a ruling is believed to conflict with the National Federation of High School Basketball Rules, these FCYBL Rules or a question of eligibility is involved; a coach may protest a game. Any protest should include as much supporting documentation as possible (videotape, scorebook, etc.).

10.2. GAME PROTEST REQUIREMENTS
Notification of the intent to protest MUST be stated by the protesting coach at the time of the infraction. The referees, scorekeeper, the timekeeper and the opposing coach must be notified at the time as well.

10.3. GAME PROTEST SUBMISSIONS
A WRITTEN protest, signed by the team's FCYBC representative, must be submitted to the appropriate Deputy Basketball Commissioner within FORTY-EIGHT (48) hours of the completion of the game. The appropriate Deputy Basketball Commissioner must notify the opposing team and the opposing team's FCYBC representative of the protest. The opposing team's WRITTEN response MUST be submitted to the appropriate Deputy Basketball Commissioner within FORTY-EIGHT (48) hours of notification of the protest. In the event that the game in question is a post-season tournament game, the protest must be submitted in an appropriate amount of time based on when the next playoff game is to be played.

10.4. GAME PROTEST INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
Each protest (or response) MUST contain the following information:

1) date, time and location of the game; and
2) names of officials, scorekeeper and timekeeper; and
3) the rule of infraction; and
4) the name(s) of the player(s) in question; and
5) the decision and conditions that led to the protest.

10.5. REVIEW PROCEDURES FOR GAME PROTESTS
The Basketball Commissioner, the Boy's Deputy Basketball Commissioner and the Girl's Deputy Basketball Commissioner will review all information provided and come to a ruling. A decision MUST be rendered by the Basketball Commissioner within SEVENTY-TWO (72) hours of the receipt of the response from the responding team. The representatives to the FCYBC from both teams should be notified of all decisions rendered by the Basketball Commissioner.

10.6. APPEAL PROCEDURES OF DECISIONS BY BASKETBALL COMMISSIONER
Decisions by the Basketball Commissioner can be appealed to the APPEAL COMMITTEE only by each club's representative to the FCYBC.

10.7. APPEAL PROCEDURES OF DECISIONS BY THE CODE OF CONDUCT COMMITTEE.
Decisions of the CODE of CONDUCT COMMITTEE may be appealed to the APPEAL COMMITTEE only by each club's representative to the FCYBC.

11.1. APPEAL COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
The APPEAL COMMITTEE will consist of the Secretary, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and the Treasurer and will be chaired by the Secretary. Should one or more members of the committee have a conflict of interest concerning the protest under consideration, the Chairperson of the APPEAL COMMITTEE will appoint substitutes who have no conflict of interest.

11.2. APPEAL FORMAT AND FEES
If a club chooses to appeal a Basketball Commissioner's or a CODE of CONDUCT COMMITTEE decision, the appeal MUST be addressed to the Secretary of the FCYBC, accompanied by a check for $50.00, which is refundable only if the appeal is successful.

11.3. APPEAL COMMITTEE PROCEDURES
The APPEAL COMMITTEE will solicit WRITTEN statements from the parties to the protest and appeal. The APPEAL COMMITTEE will render its decision on the WRITTEN record.

11.4. APPEAL COMMITTEE DECISION DISSEMINATION
The APPEAL COMMITTEE Chairperson is responsible for providing the Basketball Commissioner and the appropriate Deputy Basketball Commissioner with a copy of the committee's decision.

11.5. ENFORCEMENT OF APPEAL COMMITTEE DECISIONS
The appropriate Deputy Basketball Commissioner is responsible for following through on any action deemed necessary by the APPEAL COMMITTEE as stated in the "Disposal of Appeal".

12.1. FAIRFAX COUNTY SUBSIDIZED RECREATION CENTERS
The FCYBL recognizes the importance of maintaining active participation by Fairfax County Subsidized Recreation Centers and will work to ensure that where possible appropriate flexibility is granted in these centers meeting their financial fee due dates, and in other related obligations that may be required to participate in the FCYBL.

12.2. RULES INTERPRETATIONS
The Executive Committee shall have the authority between Council meetings to make any definitive interpretations of the rules. Such interpretations may be requested by any Council Member through an e-mail to the Secretary with a copy to the Commissioner and the Committee shall attempt to reach a decision as soon as possible, but no later than 5 days after receipt of a written request. Such interpretations shall be in writing, with supporting reasoning, and shall be binding until the next Council meeting. (In its discretion, the Committee may defer any interpretation to the full Council when the Committee determines that such deferral will not detrimentally affect the requesting party and is in the best interests of the league.)

At the next Council meeting, the Chair in his report shall identify any interpretations issued. Unless the Council overturns or changes the interpretation (by majority vote), the interpretation stands for the remainder of the season. If the Council overturns or changes the interpretation, such change shall only apply prospectively to new issues as they arise during the season.

12.3. RULE APPROVAL FOR AFFILIATED PROGRAMS
Separate rules will be approved for the FCYBL SPONSORED SUMMER LEAGUE and the AUU/YBOA programs.

12.4. SPECIAL RULE CHANGES
In the event of an issue in controversy raised at a regularly scheduled FCYBC meeting, the Council may, by an 85 percent vote of members present at that meeting, approve a special rule change which will be effective only until the next annual rules meeting.

12.5. RULES SUBMISSION PROCEDURES
Council Members must submit all proposed rules changes in writing to the Rules Committee Chairman during a rules submission period commencing at the beginning of the February Council Meeting and concluding at the end of the March Council Meeting. Council Members are encouraged to submit rules changes as early as possible to permit the Rules Committee to commence review of proposed rules as early as possible.

Any proposed rule must identify the section of the existing rules for which a change is being proposed, and should include the proposed language to change the existing rule or add additional provisions to that rule. A narrative statement describing the intended effect of the proposed rule should also be included. Following the close of the rule submission period at the conclusion of the March Council Meeting, the Rules Committee shall have seven (7) days to complete a review of all proposed rule changes and to prepare a report on all rule change proposals in a standardized format for distribution to the Council Members. This distribution, which officially starts the Council Member comment period, shall be made by electronic mail subject to an acknowledgment from each recipient that the rule changes report was received. In the event a Council Member fails to acknowledge receipt within twenty-four hours of the distribution, the Rules Committee Chairman shall send the report by regular mail. Council Members shall have seven (7) days from the start of the comment period to comment on any proposed rule change and submit such comments to the Council Secretary.

It is the affirmative duty of each Council Member to verify receipt of any comments by the Council Secretary prior to the close of the comment period. At the conclusion of the comment period, the Council Executive Committee shall review each proposed rule change and the comments made to them, if any, by Council Members and then make a recommendation on each rule change which shall then be compiled into a Rules Report to the Council. This Rules Report shall be distributed to the Council within five days following the end of the comment period in the same manner as prescribed for the proposed rule changes set forth herein.

12.6. RULES REVIEW
The Rules Committee shall review, in consultation with the Council Member submitting the proposed rule change, each proposed rules change for its form, its applicability to existing rules, and to assure the language of the rules change will result in the intended change put forth by the proponent of the change. The Rules Committee shall convene such meetings necessary to complete its work prior to issuing the Rules Report to the Council on all proposed rules changes.

12.7. SPECIAL RULES MEETING
If the volume or issues in controversy of proposed rules changes is such that the work on the rules cannot reasonably be expected to be completed in the time normally allotted for rules review during the Council Annual Meeting in April, the Chairman may convene a Special Rules Meeting of the Council to provide sufficient time for adequate discussion and voting on proposed rules.

12.8. RULES PUBLICATION
At the conclusion of the rules approval process, a complete set of the approved rules for the following season shall be published to the FCYBL website not later than thirty (30) days following the date of the final rules meeting where the rules were approved.

These FCYBL Rules have been reviewed and approved by the Fairfax County Youth Basketball Council for use in league play for the 2016-2017 Season in accordance with the Fairfax County Youth Basketball By-Laws, Article IV, Section 5, which reads as follows: "The duties and responsibilities of the Basketball Commissioner shall be: A) taking direction from policies established by the Council, the Basketball Commissioner shall ensure that written rules, procedures, and regulations as necessary to operate the League, submitting such rules, procedures, regulations, and modifications thereto, to the Council for review and approval. Upon approval, the Basketball Commissioner shall operate the League in conjunction with the Committee on Administration and Operations

The Commissioner shall oversee the day-to-day responsibilities for the effective and efficient functioning of the Boys and Girls Leagues. The Commissioner shall appoint members of the Council for the following activities.
a) Boys Deputy Commissioner;
b) Girls Deputy Commissioner;
c) League Scheduler;
d) League Registrant and Internet Coordinator;
e) Publicity;
f) and other tasks as the Council may identify.